THE BEST CAFES AND BRUNCH SPOTS IN BOSTON NOW

If you’re planning to visit the historical city of Boston, Massachusetts, there’s one thing you can delight in – you’ll be sure to find a wonderful café culture in the city and surroundings, checking off all your coffee, bakery, and brunch needs. The cafes and brunch spots in Boston range from small chains to local and independent spots that are hidden away and known only to locals. But rest assured, the coffee is great, weekend brunching is a fashion and café culture is firmly set in Bostonians way of life!

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How Do They Drink Regular Coffee in Boston

When it comes to a quintessential coffee order, in Boston no matter the season a large iced black coffee is the go-to for many. However those that prefer a little more sweet may opt for  a medium iced with hazelnut cream and sugar!!

More often than not, Bostonians will order a ‘Coffee Regular’ referring to coffee with cream and sugar. It’s a very New England ‘thing’ and refers to coffee originating at Dunkin Donuts during rush hour commute. So now you know what to ask for to fit in with the locals.

Cafes and Brunch Spots Dietary Requirements

Boston is a great place for dietary intolerances and the like, namely because there is just so much choice when it comes to alternatives. Be it alternative options such as vegetarian, vegan, coeliac or if you’d prefer a milk other than the regular cows milk. If you don’t see it advertised, it’s good to ask your server or at a counter because the chances are there are further options, or they can ask the kitchen to modify and exchange certain ingredients to suit you. Customer service is key in the USA, especially in food outlets and Boston is no exception.

How Much Would You Expect to Pay in Cafes and Brunch Spots in Boston

As with the rest of the globe, food prices are rising in Boston and you can expect to pay around $2.80 for a regular cup of black coffee. Any extras, like a cappuccino, expect to pay just shy of $4.50-$5.00. Lattes and Frappes can be anything from $5.50-6.00. Freshly squeezed juices can be around $4…-$4.50.

If you love your breakfast pastries, an almond croissant or a buttery palmier could cost you in the region of $3.50-$4.50. Cooked breakfasts, Shakshuka, breakfast sandwiches and rolls would be around $9.00-$11.00 depending upon size and any extras you may want to add.

Gratuities Culture in Boston

Gratuities culture is big in Boston as with other parts of the USA. Prepare to be presented with options of paying. between 15%-25% on your bill. The choice is yours but its good to note that pay what you feel reflects the service you are offered. Many bakeries and other outlets where you pay at the counter will give you a set gratuities payment but you have the option to change this to $5, 10% or 15% so feel free to pay what you feel is appropriate.

Downloadable Google Map With All Cafes & Brunch Spots

The Best Cafes and Brunch Spots in Boston Now

Coffee Shops

Ogawa Coffee

Located in Milk Street downtown this Japanese coffee chain, has it’s first overseas branch in Boston.

It’s contemporary, clean design and attention to detail draws you in with natural wood and black finishes. As well as tables seating, there is also a stepped seating design at the back, which maximises space in a clever and current way.

As well as a good range of coffees, sweet treats, and light sandwiches, there are several Asian sweets too.

If you’re a fan of hot chocolate, you will love their indulgent options with whipped cream as well as a spicy alternative in the cooler months.

• Location: 10 Milk St, Boston, MA 02108 Tel. +1 617-780-7139
• Further Information: Ogawa Coffee
• Price Range: $

Be-lavie Recommendations: Quick breakfast with a whole milk latte and almond croissant.

Thinking Cup

This is  local chain serves Stumptown coffee, in homely ceramic mugs close to the Boston Common, if you’re in the vicinity, it’s definitely worth  a visit. Grab a coffee to accompany your walk or preferably sit in and sample the delicious breakfast sandwiches, flaky pastries or oatmeal. The lattes do have an air of Instagram-friendly to them – just saying!! There are three locations; Boston Common, Back Back & North End – all great walking points when exploring Boston.

• Location: 165 Tremont Street. Boston, MA 02111. Tel.  617.482.5555
• Further Information: Thinking Cup
• Price Range: $

Be-lavie Recommendation; A pretty latte for the win.

Render Coffee

Located in the trendy South end district, Render Coffee is a local second floor hang-out. Independently and locally owned, it’s all about the coffee here. Coffee beans are sourced from local roasteries with a great range of coffees from cold brews, to Americanos lattes and cortados to mention a few. Grab a table by the window or on the patio but be warned this place is so good you’ll be struggling for a seat. A local authentic experience in the heart of Boston’s residential district!

• Location: 563 Columbus Ave Suite 2, Boston, MA 02118. Tel. +1 617-262-4142
• Further Information: https://www.rendercoffeebar.com/
• Price Range: $

Be-lavie Recommendation: Simple Black Coffee and a window seat!

Bakeries

Tatte Bakery & Cafe

Founded by self-taught pastry chef, Israeli born Tzurit, Tatte Bakery has grown to over 18 locations throughout Boston and Washington DC, since the days  Tzurit baked in her home kitchen and sold her delights at The Copley Square Market.

A café with beautiful French styled bistro décor and consistent for personal service is what Tatte is all about.

The drinks list is varied and all intolerances and dietary requirements are taken care with milk alternatives and the like to suit. The drinks list may be incredible, but it doesn’t stop there, the café serves the most delicious pastries, breads, bowls, soups, tartines, sandwiches and a Steller brunch menu on the weekends. Tatte may have grown but each bakery still retains a sense of individuality in terms of décor, customer service and ambience.

Be-lavie Tip: Tatte has a huge Gluten Free Menu too

Locations & Further Information: Tatte Bakery

Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendation:  A great Sunday treat; Oat Milk Latte. Palmier or almond croissant. Cold drink lovers, an iced chai latte is a winner.

Flour Bakery & Café

Led by award-winning pastry-chef, James Beard and co-owner, Joanne Chang, Flour opened its first bakery in 2000 and now has 10 cafés and bakeries in lovely locations dotted around Boston and Cambridge. Their ethos is quite simple, providing delicious gooey sticky buns, irresistible BLTS along with a whole host of other bakery and brunch items and hot and cold drinks to eat in or have on the go. It’s homely for a chain and welcoming and warm smiles go a long way.

• Locations & further Information: Flour Bakery & Cafe
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendation: French toast with maple syrup or a breakfast roll with an Americano

Blackbird Doughnuts

If you fancy a doughnut but with simpler less loaded toppings in a variety of options, Blackbird Doughnuts is your friend. Choose from a range of classics as monthly specials, ice-cream and hot and cold beverages. There are seven locations in Boston so you won’t be too far away for a doughnut and coffee fix! The Newton Hill and Beacon Hill branches have a lot more beverage choices such as chai lattes, Booibos teas and Match lattes.

• Locations and Further Information: Blackbird Doughnuts
• Price Range: $

Be-lavie Recommendation: The Blackbird )Vanilla bean cake and vanilla glaze) or Salted Toffee (brioche, salted toffee glaze and salt) whilst sipping on an unsweetened  cold brew.

Mikes Pastry

Founded in 1946, Mike’s Pastry is located in Boston’s historic North End on Hanover Street. Michael Mercogliano aka Mike has perfected the art of fresh cannoli in a huge varieties of flavour combination as well as cream lobster tails and other Italian bakes and sweets. The queues here are out of the door on most weekends and all sweet treats come wrapped in a box with string around them. There’s no seating available, only take-out.

• Location: 300 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113. Tel.  +1 617-742-3050
• Further Information: Mike’s Pastry
• Price Range: $ (one large cannoli is $5)

Be-lavie Recommendation: The Pistacchio or lemon cannoli

Jonquils Cafe

Jonquils Café derives it’s name from the flower which spans many countries and it is located on the upmarket shopping area of Newbury Street. The decor is bright, modern and classy – the perfect spot to meet for a sophisticated girlie date. Jonquils serve a range of speciality teas, fresh juices, beautiful bakes, low in sugar as well as healthy lunch time options too.

• Location: 125 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116. Tel. +1 617-982-6117
• Further Information: Jonquils Cafe
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendation: The Apple Caramel apple confit, soft caramel, cream cheese, caramel cream, crunch, chocolate sponge) with an iced latte on the terrace to people watch.

Levain Bakery

Created by passionate Swimmer and athletes, Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald created Levain bakery in 1995 serving a variety of breads, loaf cakes, cookies, brioche and beverages. There are 11 bakeries with a few in NYC and Brooklyn as well as Massachusetts. Each store has their seasonal products which brings a spot of independent style charm and individuality.

• Location: 180 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116, Tel. +1 617-390-7799
• Further Information: Levain Bakery
• Price Range: $

Be-lavie Recommendation: Grab a seat in the deck-chair style umbrella seating looking out onto Newbury street and have a mid-morning snack of deliciously moist lemon cake accompanied by a latte.

Brunch

Mike & Patty’s

Ask any Bostonian where the best place to get a breakfast sandwich is and they’ll say, Mike & Patty’s. Located in Bay Village, close to South End, this shop is very small, 175 square feet with room only to order, pay the bill and the rest brought out to you. It’s a tiny sandwich shop but packs a huge punch. There are now five locations, and the menu caters for vegan, vegetarian and kids options along with cold drinks and sweet treats in the form of chocolate chip cookies. Choose from breakfast sandwiches or a burrito!

• Locations & further information: Mike and Pattys
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: ‘The Vegan One’ Just egg, vegan smoked gouda, blue oyster mushroom hash, maple sriracha on a flour house English muffin, washed down with a fresh OJ or Apple and strawberry juice.

Citrus & Salt

Inspired by Baja cuisine, this Coastal Mexican restaurant showcases Chef Jason Santos’ love for Southern Californian and Mexican dishes. The restaurant is fun, bright, colourful and very instagrammable. The brunch menu is pretty extensive with interesting brunch cocktails such as ‘Tequila is cheaper than therapy’ (with Ghost tequila, mango jalapeño, agave, cucumber and lime, chili-lime salt rim ) as well as options to add a range of flavours to your Margarita. Brunch dishes include, made to order churros, Chilaquiles with eggs and goat cheese and avocado BLT tacos with salsa galore and crème fraiche.

Booking is a must at Citrus & Salt and brunch is served until 16:00

• Location: 42 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116. Tel. +1 617-424-6711
• Further Information: Citrus and Salt
• Price Range: $$/$$$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Breakfast quesadilla with eggs, pepper jack cheese and Mexican crema. Churros with vanilla dulce and a a Mexican iced coffee containing Baileys, Frangelico and Mexican chocolate in a cold brew.

Café Susu at Suitsupply

Hidden in the basement of Suitsupply on Newbury Street, this spectacle of jade, suede chairs, brass accessories and a beautiful chandelier is Café Susu, the  epitome of Instagram worthy content!

The espresso bar and café serves beautiful drinks combinations from iced teas to flowery lattes accompanied by pastries sourced locally from Café Madeline.

The space is small and very intimate and perfect for a late morning or afternoon hang out spot! Another one of the very instagram-friendly cafes and brunch spots in Boston.

• Location: 240A Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116. Tel. +1 617-249-7821 ext. 1
• Further Information: Cafe Susu
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendation: Roobios honey lavender lemonade with an almond croissant.

Berkeley Perk Café

A local café located on the main Berkeley Street in South End, this residential café is perfect for homemade fresh cakes, sandwiches, fry-ups as well as great brunching options.

Sit in one of the booths or take a window seat, the friendly staff will take you through the extensive menu which is listed on a blackboard inside. Berkeley Perk café has a local feel and it’s somewhere you can hang out with a paper and enjoy a coffee and some real no frills food cooked perfectly.

• Location: 69 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116. Tel. +1 617-426-7375
• Further Information: https://www.berkeleyperk.com/ 
• Price Range $

Be-lavie Recommendations: ‘The True Veggie’ hummus, avocado, tomatoes in an onion bagel, washed down with a fresh OJ and black filter coffee.

Life Alive

A healthy, vibrant, organic experience awaits at Life Alive, as it aims to re-energise you with therapeutic whole foods in an inspiring environment that not only honours local artisans but also the community as well as the globe. Life Alive have some brilliant missions in helping the planet and community as well as bringing delicious healthy foods from brunch bowls to grains, smoothies, greens, ramen, lattes, speciality juices and much more. There are nine locations in total offering all day food and drinks that will awaken your senses and make you feel super healthy with the tasty menu choice available.

• Locations and Further Information: Life Alive
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Spicy tofu miso ramen and pineapple smash smoothie with ginger, turmeric, lemon, maple and Kombucha.

Cobblestones

This eatery located in beacon Hill is named after the cobblestoned streets in this old and historic neighbourhood. Take your pic from delicious freshly made breakfast sandwiches and wraps, Acai bowls, waffles, lunch sandwiches and salads as well as desserts and a variety of hot and cold drinks including juices and smoothies. The Atmosphere s relaxed, especially at weekends. Place your order at the counter and take a pew at the high-top counters and people watch as you tuck into your goodies.

• Location: 30 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114. Tel. +1 617-202-5377
• Further Information: Cobblestones
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Egg white wrap with Monterey Jack cheese, melted with baby spinach with a latte or cappuccino.

Terra at Eataly

Terra is the terrace on the top floor of Eataly at the Prudential Centre. It serves Italian twists of American classics and is very pupular with liquid brunch lovers, in particular, the Espressp Martinis. You can choose from the classic tini, blended with Caffe Vergano beans (quality bean specialists of the world) as well as tequila version for those who don’t like vodka.

When it comes to the food, think frittatas with courgettes, steaks bruschetta with burrata, sweet pastries, yoghurts with seasonal fruit and granola to mention a few options. Definitely one of the more special cafes and brunch spots in Boston.

• Location: 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199. Tel. +1 617-807-7307
• Further Information: Terra at Eataly
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendation: Tomato and burrata salad with lashings of olive oil and red wine.

Brunch Activity in Boston

Heres a great brunch activity that can be taken during the fall months in Boston

• Boston Harbour Gourmet Brunch Cruise

Other Boston Food Tours

• Underground Donut Walking Tour
• Boston North End Secret Food Tour

Cafes and Brunch Spots in Boston Round-Up

Whether it’s a early morning grab and go coffee, a mid-morning cold brew and pastry or a midweek brunch meeting, Boston cafes have you covered. Weekend brunching affairs in Boston are longer and more relaxed. You chose with the vast range of choice available and small local chains in many of the city’s districts, you won’t be far from favourite café and brunch spots in Boston wherever you’re based.

Cafes and Brunch Spots in Boston: Related Posts

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• Unique & Quirky Boutique Hotels in Boston by Neighbourhood

À bientôt

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